Rock Crystal

Rock crystal, also known as pure or clear quartz, is a transparent, silica mineral.

Pliny the Elder wrote in “Naturalis Historia” that it was believed with quite strong certainty that rock crystal was some form of strange fossilised or petrified ice, which was also supported since “crystal is only to be found in places where the winter snow freezes with the greatest intensity”. In fact the word crystal is derived from the Greek word κρύσταλλος, meaning ice.

Due to the belief that rock crystal was ice, Romans would carry with them large crystal balls for cooling purposes in the summer heat. And equally it was believed that if one held a piece of rock crystal against the tongue it could dampen fever and quench thirst.

Rock crystal was also a popular gemstone, where it was believed the stone would protect the wearer against the evil eye and nightmares. In old Mexican culture it was believed rock crystal contained the souls of both living in dead people. While native Australians used it rituals to produce rain.

Rock crystal is the birthstone of April and the zodiacal birthstone of Aquarius.

Historically worn for: protection.